Indonesia probes reports of nationals serving in Russian military during Ukraine war

Indonesia probes reports of nationals serving in Russian military during Ukraine war



Indonesia said today it was investigating claims that ‘several’ citizens had joined the Russian military and were deployed in the war in Ukraine. — AFP pic


Summary

• Indonesia is investigating claims that its citizens joined the Russian military for the war in Ukraine.
• The foreign ministry is verifying information provided by Ukrainian authorities and warns of potential citizenship loss.
• Indonesia will also investigate possible fraud in the recruitment process of these individuals.

First Published: Monday, 31 Aug 2026 5:56 PM MYT


JAKARTA, Aug 31 — Indonesia said today it was investigating claims that “several” citizens had joined the Russian military and were deployed in the war in Ukraine.

The information, which came from Ukrainian authorities, was being verified with several ministries and government institutions, the foreign ministry in Jakarta said in a statement.


It did not say how many Indonesians were under suspicion.


If the information is true, the fighters risk losing their citizenship under a law that requires Indonesians to obtain presidential permission if they want to serve a foreign military.


“If the involvement of Indonesian citizens in the armed forces of a foreign country is verified, it is an individual act and does not represent the policy or position of the Indonesian government,” the ministry said.


Indonesia has not traditionally been a source of mercenaries for Russia or Ukraine, which have both recruited foreign fighters throughout the war.

“Information regarding the identity, citizenship status, recruitment process, and form of involvement of the individuals mentioned still needs to be further confirmed,” the foreign ministry said.


“The Indonesian government will also investigate the possibility of fraud, exploitation, or recruitment through job offers that are not in accordance with the intended purpose.”

Citizens from African countries have reportedly been forcibly conscripted into the Russian army to fight in Ukraine after being lured with promises of jobs abroad. — AFP